The Business of the Year award is one of the Chamber’s most prestigious awards celebrating excellence in a business’ industry and in their community.  This award, sponsored by Index Packaging, recognizes a Chamber member who has demonstrated leadership and involvement for the betterment of the business community and the greater Rochester area.

At the Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Banquet held on Saturday evening, November 6, 2021 at The Oaks Grand Ballroom, the Chamber was pleased to present the 2021 Business of the Year award to The Rochester Voice.

Operated by Harrison Thorp, a 30-year journalist, and President Martha Soto-Galicia, a former legal secretary, media buyer and insurance underwriter, The Rochester Voice is an award-winning digital daily that covers the Greater Rochester area.  

The Voice reports on quality-of-life issues, challenges in the community and all facets of life. They are an independent voice that seeks to report on governmental affairs objectively while holding government accountable to its citizenry. The Rochester Voice also contributes to the community by reporting on new businesses, commercial developments, educational-commercial collaborations, and more.

The Rochester Voice is a large supporter to several organizations and events in Rochester that benefit the community, including Rochester School’s Gimme 5, Rochester Thank A Police Officer Day, Holiday Tree Lighting, Holiday Parade and many more.  They have donated part of their profits to My Breast Cancer Awareness, Brain Aneurysm Support, Gerry’s Good Pantry, among many others. 

The Rochester Voice has received numerous awards from the New Hampshire Press Association including Best Digital Presence statewide in 2020 and won first place in Health Reporting, Spot News and Feature photos.

The Rochester Voice employees volunteer their time at community events including groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, candidate forums, serving on various committees, etc.

 According to Brian Healey, owner of Healey Auto Repair, “The Rochester Voice delivers unbiased news and business reviews to area residents and supports many community efforts by getting the word out about upcoming local projects.”

According to Capt. Todd Pinkham of the Rochester Police Department, “I interact with Harrison on a weekly, sometimes daily basis and he is always professional and courteous, and the publication reflects that. The publication is very well rounded, capturing a variety of areas of interests, and keeps the public up-to-date on what is happening in the community.”

According to Brian Liberty, “what makes The Rochester Voice special is its accurate reporting.”

For these reasons, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce was proud to name The Rochester Voice as its 2021 Business of the Year.

Presenting the award to The Rochester Voice, was Matt Beaulieu representing Service Credit Union, last year’s Business of the Year recipient.